Chasing Rabbits: A Curious Guide to a Lifetime of Mathematical Wellness

Curiouser and Curiouser . . .

Mainstream math education over the last century has concretized an approach to mathematics that is rote, anxiety-producing, and far too focused on outcomes rather than the journey of discovery. In Chasing Rabbits, educator Sunil Singh offers an approach to mathematics that advocates getting lost, slowing down, feeling bewildered and disoriented, and even failing. Engaging with math in this way, he argues, can not only accomplish greater buy-in and enjoyment from math learners, but it can also affirm our sense of humanity and wellness overall. Singh invites the reader to explore his philosophy of mathematics through relating math to other disciplines, and to figures as diverse as MC Escher and Anthony Bourdain. Singh also delves into variously complex mathematical problems to offer concrete examples of what doing math differently looks and feels like. Mathematics, Singh demonstrates, ought to be a site not of stress and anxiety, but of wonder and joy.

Endorsements

"If you want to learn about what it's like to live a mathematical life by sitting around the campfire with a mug of cocoa, listening to a great storyteller who has done just that, this book is for you. It's superb. I loved it."

-Keith Devlin, Stanford University

"This book is a fascinating journey that illuminates the wonder, joy, and beauty of mathematics!"

-Trena Wilkerson, NCTM president

"Sunil Singh is a powerful storyteller who paints a vivid picture of mathematical wellness."

-Mona Toncheff, NCSM president

"Insightful introspections, rich rumination, and unexpected metaphors abound in this book!"

-Francis Su, author of Mathematics for Human Flourishing